From the cool morning breeze and the views from mountains tops. Abuja has something to offer all: good weather (generally hot with a rainy season), green spaces, high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, designer shops, large malls, cinemas and a colorful nightlife to name but a few.
Abuja is vibrant and very much cosmopolitan. Termed one of the fastest growing cities in the Africa. The rapid expansion can be explained with good reason;
NETWORKS AND NETWORKING:
As Nigeria’s capital, Abuja is the center of money and affluence in the country. This town plays host to all the politicians and oil moguls. Apart from Lagos, Abuja is the place where it “goes down” in Nigeria. Abuja plays host to various governmental, private and international bodies.
This is where everybody comes to spend their oil money (Lol). You will find multinationals like Coca Cola. International organizations like UN, WHO, Oxfam and numerous foreign embassies scattered across the city. Name the type of sector or industry and you’ll likely find a company involved in that business in Abuja.
Furthermore, there is a big expat community in Abuja, from a variety of different nations. If you’re looking to network and find new clients for that business or contract, Abuja is the place.
CALM AND SECURED;
the first thing you’ll notice about Abuja upon arrival is how calm and somehow quiet it is. Unlike Lagos and Portharcout, Abuja is usually less noisy and very much less rowdy. Everybody here is sort of minding their business, even when catching up with you on the gram. Wink**
TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION;
The traffic situation in Abuja is relatively low. Though you experience high traffic, especially at closing hour, but it’s the type that moves and before you know it, you’ve gotten to your destination.
People in Lagos envy us in Abuja, as they’ll spend unusually longer hours stuck in traffic. You’ll experience road congestions in the morning and evening around Apo, Galadima/Lokogoma ,AYA, kubwa express. Note that these places are mostly exits from the city center.
ELECTRICITY;
The electricity distribution company in Abuja needs a thumbs up. You get electricity for much more longer hours and some good locations go days without light going off. You even have options of buying power directly from your phone, because of prepaid meters. This no doubt saves you the stress of long queues at the Power Holding Company office.
Places with good electricity distribution include but not limited to Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, Lifecamp, Gwarimpa, Jabi, Etc which are mostly city centers.
GOOD ROAD NETWORK AND CHEAP TRANSPORT;
Even though Abuja is not a public transport friendly city (have you entered along in this town? 🏻story for another day ) you can best believe that transportation is cheap. The roads are very good and interconnected and as such, drivers can find quicker routes to destinations.
Despite the availability of green taxis and buses, Uber and Bolt are one of the most preferred means of transportation in Abuja, and you can spend as low as 1500- 3000 for a round trip equivalent to $10 or less, depending on the pendulum of the naira and dollar you know it’s always dangling
FOOD AND GROCERIES;
My most fun times in the city is going grocery shopping, weather at the local market or supermarket. This is because of how cheap food items are and readily available. This can be attributed to the city’s proximity to the north where farming activities are the people’s primary occupation hence, food products are brought in to town at cheaper rates.
You can use; 600 naira ($2-$3) for a meal at a local restaurant and upwards of $10 at a posh restaurant. $2 for a bottle of beer and 0.5$ for a bottle of Pepsi. $3 for a crate of 30 eggs and $2 for a big watermelon.
This brings us to the next reason why we love Abuja and why you should choose to live in Abuja;
WIDE SPECTRUM OF HANGOUT SPOTS;
Even though Abuja has a reputation for being notoriously expensive, this all depends on your lifestyle. We can brag that Abuja is not as expensive to live as compared to other country capitals.
If you are seeking luxury in Abuja, you will find it and live comfortably on any budget. Your level of income is the major determining factor. The most popular place for a variety of these services is wuse 2.
Wuse is where most activities go down, especially at night. It’s a fact that this part of town never sleeps especially weekends. There’s a whole lot of spot to pick from, depending on your vibe for the night.
For most of us that grew up here, it’s always a delight waking up each morning in the city of Abuja. We love Abuja. Thank you!
Article by: Jennifer Yohanna
